The Cavaquinho
The Cavaquinho is a member of the Strings. Very popular in Portugal, the cavaquinho, which was born in the Braga region, arrived in Lisbon and, with the Portuguese sailors and immigrants, conquered the world in the 18th century. It is sometimes referred to as machinho, machin, machete, manchete or marchete, braguinha or braguinho, cavaco.
The cavaquinho is a musical instrument made of wood, originally from the European guitar family. European guitars, similar to the guitar and the viola caipira, however, with much smaller dimensions and with four steel strings, as used nowadays, or gut strings, used in the past. used in the past. It is a melodic and harmonic instrument of vast popularity in Brazil, both in urban and rural in Brazil, both in urban and rural areas, with a vibrant, high-pitched sound.
The cavaquinho is basically made of wood and metal. It has: top, bridge, mouth, bottom, fingerboard, neck, fingerboard, head, fret, fretboard and tuner. Its structure is similar to that of the Ukulele.
Regarding the materials used in the manufacture of the Brazilian cavaquinho, Swedish pine or cedar is used. The scale is divided into semitones by the frets, and can be made of ebony or jacaranda; . The bridge, where the strings are attached, can be made of jacaranda, imbuia or ebony, is fixed on the top and contains a bone fuse (plastic or ivory).
It is widely used in samba and choro, musical styles in which its participation is fundamental, and also participates in a range of regional cultural manifestations, lending its joy, swing, and high-pitched chords
How do I play the instrument?
The cavaquinho is usually played rasgueado, with the four fingers of the right hand, or with just the thumb and forefinger. But a good player makes the melody on the high strings stand out over the rasgueado, and also makes the chords on the upper strings.
Are there any instrument silimar to this one?
Ukelele, guitar, mandolin
How long does it take to learn?
Learning time can vary, depending on one’s goal and dedication. Students who show frequency of practice are ready to develop a popular repertoire between one and two years.
Is there special equipment needed for the instrument?
No
Rock with a Star!
Let’s enjoy the sound of this instrument through this wonderful performance by Danilo Brito and his band
In the video, Brazilian musician Danilo Brito re-records the work Brasileirinho by Waldir Azevedo, released by the composer himself in 1949 on the Continental label, which was an immediate success, paving the way for other great hits by this composer, such as the romantic Choro Pedacinhos do Céu and the baião Delicado.
